Children, particularly younger ones, can be curious, impulsive, and energetic. It’s not uncommon for a childcare center to look a bit messy. It’s all good and well, but it is bad to leave the center in this state.
A childcare center that is not properly cleaned can be a breeding ground for all sorts of harmful germs. This can lead to the spread of diseases and other health problems, not just among children but for all those who use the space.
Cleaning a childcare center can be a challenge because there are so many objects and surfaces to clean. It is best to hire a cleaning company that has experience in cleaning schools. You can then be assured of a high-quality result.
It can be hard to know when to clean when you consider how many messes children can create. Although deep cleaning can be done once a week or twice a year, some tasks cannot wait.
This quick guide will help you create a cleaning plan.
Tables
A daily schedule is best for the activity or study tables where the children color, write, and make crafts. Use a cleaning cloth to remove debris (e.g., traces of glue), then disinfect with standard bleach.
Prepare a wet cloth to wipe down any spills or splatters in an emergency.
Toys, Playables, and Other Playables
To reduce the spread and transmission of germs, it is ideal that a childcare center only has washable toys. They should be cleaned daily, particularly those used by younger children who tend to put things in their mouths.
To preserve the quality and durability of your toys, follow the washing instructions. Warm water and mild soap will usually do the trick if there are no instructions. Toys can be stored in bins or boxes labeled “to be cleaned” and “washed.” You will then know which toys are safe for children to play with.
To reduce the chance of spreading germs, you should assign each non-washable toy to a specific child.
Play Mats
Playmats are often found in childcare centers to prevent bumps and falls. They are usually made of EVA foam. They can get quite dirty very quickly. Dirt can get stuck on models with textured surfaces.
Playmats need to be cleaned daily at the end of the day unless an accident has occurred. Sweep off any debris and wipe the mat down with a wet cloth. Finish off by applying a disinfectant.
Weekly or biweekly deep cleaning schedules for play mats are also beneficial for removing dirt and grime.
Book
You only have to dust your books regularly. If the pages and covers of board books are becoming sticky, use a dampened cloth to clean them.
Follow the instructions on how to wash cloth/fabric book to keep their color for as long as possible. Rinse them well because younger children may bite or sucke on the pages.
Carpets and Curtains
You should vacuum your carpets at least twice per week if you have them in your childcare center. If it is in an area with high traffic, you may want to vacuum it more often. Three to six months is ideal for deep cleaning or washing–again, depending on traffic. For a thorough cleaning, call in the professionals. This is especially true if your material needs special care.
Curtains should be replaced if they appear dirty. To make your fabric last longer, follow the instructions for washing.
Kitchen and Eating Areas
Before and after using the space for eating and preparing food, it should be disinfected. The tables should be especially clean. Sometimes, you can’t prevent a child from eating food that falls off a dish and onto the table. If you use placemats, they should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
To prevent unpleasant stickiness and oiliness, floors should be mopped on a regular basis. The final mop pass should be made at the end of the day with a disinfectant. If there are any spills, clean them up as soon as possible to prevent slips or other accidents.
The surfaces of the cupboards and countertops, as well as their handles, should be cleaned regularly.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms in childcare centers should be cleaned several times per day. Even though it can be difficult to keep a routine, try to create a quick one.
The sinks and countertops are the most important, so disinfect them first. Toilet bowls should be cleaned at the end of the workday unless the toilet is really dirty. If one restroom is being cleaned, it’s helpful to have another available.
Children are more susceptible to infections and disease. Children have some impulses that are not fully controlled, and their immune systems are still developing. In order to create a healthy and safe environment where children can learn and have fun, a childcare center must be kept clean.